UP wants "change of culture" in UAAP Season 78

Mark Escarlote on Sep 02, 2015 09:31 PM

The University of the Philippines is looking forward to a brighter campaign this UAAP Season.

After years of getting buried down the cellar with mediocre performances, the Fighting Maroons are brimming with confidence coming from a new coaching staff, better management and all-out support from sponsors.

The UP basketball team wants to bring the pride of the Diliman-based school back and change the mindset of just accepting defeat.

"We wanted to change the culture sa amin na ang UP this time hindi na basta-basta and lalaban," said returning shooter Jett Manuel.

The Fighting Maroons will be handled by Rensy Bajar with a solid staff composed of American Joe Ward, Allan Gregorio, ex-PBA player Poch Juinio and former UP cager Mo Gingerich.

Last year, UP ended their 27-game losing streakÂ that started inÂ 2012 with a win against Adamson at the end of the first round celebrated by a bonfire only to see another string of defeats as the Maroons finished Season 77 with a 1-13 record.

But Bajar believes that this year there will be a change in their fortune even if they have to start from scratch.

"This time teamwork talaga kami. Yung teamwork namin not only on offense but also on defense," Bajar said of the character of this year’s Maroons.

As part of their preparation for the coming season, which UP is the host-school and will open on Saturday, September 5, the Maroons joined the amateur grassroots league FilSports Basketball Association where they won the crown. They also had a short stint in a pocket tournament in Taiwan.

The team also received a shot in the arm with Robinson’s Corporation as corporate sponsor and a more efficient management under team manager Dan Palami.

"I think with the new coaching staff coming in and with the new management coming in, there’s a visible program in place. People can see naman," said Manuel. "Us players, can feel the difference especially me, matanda na ako e, so I can feel the changes that are happening this time. That’s exciting for us this year."